Health

Making sense of the use of blood and blood products

Article Abstract:

Blood donations are required for blood transfusions. Transfusions are given to patients who have lost blood in an accident or in surgery, or to patients with chronic severe anaemia. When blood is donated, it is usually divided into plasma, cells and platelets. Each constituent lasts for different amounts of time. Shortages occur most commonly in blood groups O or A.

Making sense of...external ventricular drainage

Article Abstract:

External ventricular drainage (EVD) is a way of temporarily draining excessive cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) from the brain to relieve increase in intracranial pressure (ICP). EVD is performed in the operating theatre on an area over the non dominant hemisphere. The drain is slowly remove when EVD is no longer required.